Senior Project Manager - Substation

ManpowerGroup Middle East; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in power transmission is seeking a Project Manager to oversee multiple EPC projects for 132 kV substations in Dubai. The role involves leadership in project execution, stakeholder management, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in substation projects and strong client management skills, with a preference for Arabic-speaking nationals.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years experience in substation EPC execution.
• 5-7 years handling client projects.
• PMP certification preferred, safety passport mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Manage complete EPC lifecycle of 132 kV substation projects.
• Act as primary liaison with client engineers and consultants.
• Conduct regular HSE audits and ensure compliance.

Skills

Hands-on experience managing EHV GIS substations

Proficiency in project planning tools

Strong client-facing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, or power engineering

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Job purpose:

To lead the successful execution of 3 nos. of each 132 kV substation EPC projects under a major power transmission company, ensuring full compliance with client specifications, project timelines, cost controls, quality benchmarks, and HSE requirements.

Key responsibilities:

1. Project leadership & delivery

• Manage the complete EPC lifecycle of 132 kV substation projects from design to handover.
• Drive engineering coordination, procurement planning, construction management, testing, and commissioning as per client guidelines.
• Ensure timely achievement of project milestones and proactive management of critical paths using Primavera (P6).

2. Client & stakeholder management

• Act as the primary liaison with client engineers, consultants, and project monitoring teams.
• Ensure all submittals (designs, drawings, material approvals, method statements) are aligned with client specifications.
• Prepare and present progress reports, look-aheads, and recovery plans during client progress meetings.

3. Contractual & commercial oversight

• Interpret and implement client project contracts, including FIDIC-based clauses.
• Manage claims, variations, EOTs, and ensure timely billing and collection of certified payments.
• Lead procurement follow-ups to ensure delivery compliance with client-approved vendors.

4. Quality, safety & compliance

• Enforce QA/QC protocols aligned with client quality standards and ISO norms.
• Conduct regular HSE audits, toolbox talks, and ensure zero non-compliance during client inspections.
• Coordinate with third-party labs and testing agencies for FAT, SAT, and pre-commissioning activities.

5. Team & resource management

• Lead multidisciplinary site teams including engineers, QA/QC, HSE, civil, MEP, and subcontractors.
• Mentor site managers and construction teams for client project-specific documentation and reporting standards.
• Ensure adequate manpower, equipment, and materials are deployed to avoid site delays.

Qualifications & experience:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical, electronics, or power engineering.
• Experience: Minimum 15-20 years in substation EPC execution with at least 5-7 years handling client projects.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with client standard specifications, procedures, submittal templates, and approval protocols.
• Certifications: PMP or equivalent preferred; client safety passport is mandatory or to be obtained upon hiring.
• Arabic speaking nationals are preferred.

Skills required:

• Hands-on experience managing EHV GIS substations.
• Proficiency in project planning tools (Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Strong client-facing and communication skills with experience handling client weekly/monthly meetings.
• Working knowledge of vendor interfaces for major equipment (GIS, power transformers, protection systems, SAS).
• Sound understanding of UAE authority approvals (CICPA, ADDC, Civil Defense, etc.) and construction regulations.